Baby Promise (not her real name) was born on 1 June 2013, and arrived at Ethembeni through the intervention of the South African Police Service. She had been left with a carer by her mother, who did not return for her. As the carer could not afford to keep her, the SAPS brought her to Ethembeni on 12 June.
Ethembeni's administrator, Captain Heather Rossouw, says that baby Promise is beautiful. "She has a peaceful, carefree nature and smiles a lot," she adds.
Ethembeni, meaning "Place of Hope", is home for up to 60 children aged from birth to three years, all of whom have suffered emotional, physical or medical abuse or have been abandoned. Many are HIV positive. This special place provides mental and emotional stimulation, love and care for these children, and works towards their adoption or fostering into a loving family environment.
The children are brought to Ethembeni from various places. Some are found in black rubbish bags, in dustbins, on rubbish dumps, in shebeens and bars, in parks, at taxi ranks; others are left at the hospital after delivery. Some have been abandoned with strangers or left without care for long hours.
The children are cared for, fed and clothed, and given the opportunity to enjoy their childhood despite the difficulties they have already encountered in their young lives.
If possible, children are re-united with their biological parents/families or into the community, since institutionalisation is not an ideal solution for them. Ethembeni has been successful in reuniting 124 children with their families. Alternately, adoption or foster care is encouraged.
To date, 471 children have been adopted, while 203 have been placed in foster care. If this is not possible, the children are transferred on to other institutions to introduce them to pre-school facilities, and 87 children have moved on in this way. Sadly, another 61 babies and children have passed away through illnesses such as HIV/Aids.
Parents who are experiencing economic hardship are assisted with baby care products when they are reunited with their children.
There are many opportunities for volunteers at Ethembeni, many of whom often pop in to give their free time and lend a pair of hands to help with the day-to-day tasks. Members of the public can also donate R30 by sending an SMS with the word "Child" to 42290. The SMS's cost R30 each.
For more information, go to www.salvationarmy.org.za.
